CHEMICAL companies in the north west are being invited to pioneer international trading.

An in-depth workshop to be held next month will give local companies guidance on how to break into lucrative markets abroad and address export issues currently faced by the industry.

The Chemical Exports Workshop is a joint initiative by the International Trade Team at Business Link Cheshire and Warrington in partnership with the North West Chemical Initiative (NWCI) and Trade Partners UK.

It aims to equip interested companies with the information they need to step into Europe and beyond. The move to encourage chemical companies to break into foreign markets is being spearheaded by the NCWI.

After positive response from a networking meeting earlier this year the NWCI agreed to move forward with a more in-depth workshop giving chemical companies practical solutions to export issues.

The challenge was taken up by Business Link Cheshire and Warrington, which has helped in organising the event, to be chaired by representatives from chemical companies.

Sandra Brusby, chief executive of Business Link Cheshire and Warrington, said: éThis is a really exciting development for the chemical industry. We have a number of successful chemical companies in the north west but as in all industries there is a need to change, develop and move forward.

éBreaking into new markets is vital and there are a whole host of opportunities out there for companies who are willing to make the effort.

éThe workshop will develop delegatesé on how to take those steps plus give them the opportunity to raise and resolve any current export issues they are facing.é

The one day seminar on May 14 will include sessions on identifying markets; representation and promotion; logistics and hazardous goods; documentation and collecting money.

Advice on the support is available for exporters will follow the sessions.

The event will be held in Blackley, Manchester, at chemicals firm Avecia. Contact Tricia Francis on 01925 715200 for more details.